Lady Outlaws will head into post season

The girls basketball team has had their share of trouble this season, including having to forfeit 13 games due to using an ineligible player. Through it all they did not lose heart or deter from their original goal of playing in the post-season.

This past week the Outlaws won both of their games. Sisters posted a 42-32 victory over the Lions at Cottage Grove (CG) on Tuesday, February 12, and three days later wrapped up league play at home with a 60-46 win over Elmira for a third-place finish in league.

The Outlaws have earned a play-in game that could propel them into the playoffs.

In Tuesday's action against the Cottage Grove Lions the game was neck-and-neck for the first three quarters. At the close of the third Sisters led by a slim two-point advantage at 23-21.

Jacobie Petterson went a perfect 8/8 from the line in the final period. Sisters out-ran the Lions and out-shot them 17-11 to secure the win.

"I was very impressed again with the composure and resounding teamwork the girls displayed," said Coach Julianne Horner. "From Jacobie's rock-solid performance at the free-throw line to Taylor (Nieri) pulling down six huge defensive boards, to Claire's (Henson) fantastic defensive job on much larger players, not allowing them to score.

"Everyone worked hard and together," added Horner. "This was a big win for us as we come down the final stretch of league games. We are getting better each game and are able to adjust to what needs to be done for each team we face."

Nieri led the team with 15 points, including two threes, and seven rebounds. Petterson tallied 12 points and Cassidy Edwards added seven.

Three days later, at home in front of an enthusiastic crowd, the Outlaws buckled down and took care of business. Sisters posted a 60-46 victory over the Falcons for a third-place league finish, which sends them into post season play.

Sisters came out strong in the first quarter. The Outlaws downed three shots from behind the arc and went 5/6 from the free-throw line. Elmira kept battling and did not let up. At the close of the first period Sisters held a 20-18 lead.

The Outlaws outpaced Elmira in the second quarter. Sisters outscored the Falcons14-8 and at the half had pushed to a 34-27 advantage.

Horner stated, "I knew by the determination they showed on their faces and by their behavior the team never wavered in their attitude that they would win the game."

The Outlaws missed a few easy buckets in the third and gave up three easy lay-ups, which allowed Elmira to close the gap to six.

Nieri went 11/12 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter to really seal the deal for the Outlaws. Nieri finished the game with a school record 20/26 from the line.

"This game came down to composure and free throws and Sisters had both," said Horner. "I am very proud of how the team played and how strong of a performance they all had. I believe we are getting stronger each game."

Edwards played a big role in the Outlaws' victory. Cassidy hit two three's in the first quarter and contributed in all aspects of the game with 21 total points, five rebounds and four big steals.

Nieri played every position on the floor from low post to wing to point guard. Taylor racked up 29 points in the game and pulled down nine big boards.

Petterson contributed four points and three assists and Cierra Mann added four points and three rebounds.

Sisters will host a play-in game on Friday, February 22, to kick off post-season play. Their opponent is yet to be determined.